All forms of domestic abuse can be devastating. Where there are cases of domestic violence that result in serious injury, the abuse can be life changing.
The prevalence of domestic abuse
There are different types of abuse, and this affects millions of people across the country. According to data from The Crime Survey for England and Wales, an estimated 2.1 million people aged 16 years and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. Of that number, 1.4 million were women and 751,000 were men.
The full spectrum of domestic abuse includes physical and sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological, emotional or other abuse.
However, not all domestic abuse survivors report what’s happened to them. There may be any number of reasons for this, from the fear of not being believed to seeing what’s happened to some other survivors. It may even be that they’re unaware that they’re being abused. So, it’s likely that these figures aren’t a true reflection of how prevalent it is.
Understanding the intersection
In cases where there’s domestic violence that results in physical injuries, there can be life changing consequences. In recent years, it’s become apparent that one of the most significant consequences is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by physical abuse.
Incidents of physical violence, including blows to the head and strangulation, can cause TBIs and the lasting effects can be ongoing.
Unveiling the consequences
Here in the UK, a recent report revealed that as many as one in two domestic abuse survivors are living with a brain injury. Too Many to Count, the report by brain injury charity Brainkind, is the first study to focus on the prevalence of brain injury in people who’ve experienced domestic abuse.
Brainkind spoke to 60 women and over half (55%) screened positive for a history indicative of brain injury. Also, 80% of participants who had experienced domestic abuse had suffered a serious blow to the head.
This study echoes the findings in the 2023 American documentary titled This Hits Home. This highlighted the traumatic impact of domestic violence on the brain. Survivors revealed how they had lifelong neurologic impairment due to their injuries, with dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) listed as the results of the violence they endured.
As well as these enduring injuries, survivors experience headaches, memory loss, mood disturbances, and impaired executive function. The mental fallout is also severe. TBIs can affect a person’s mental health. Relationships and overall quality of life are also impacted, further exacerbating the mental health challenges faced by survivors.
Healing and support
Support is available. Charities like Women’s Aid, Refuge and Respect Men’s Advice Line are just some of the resources that are available to those affected by domestic abuse. There are also healthcare professionals who are specifically trained n supporting survivors.
Taking steps to get away from an abuser is the most important part of the process. It can also be the most dangerous time, so seeking support and advice can be vital.
For those who are no longer in contact with their abuser, it may be that they are still experiencing the effects of their injuries. Getting medical advice can help to establish a diagnosis and provide the opportunity to heal from the trauma sustained.
It’s also worth seeking Brain injury claim solicitors can pursue justice for survivors of domestic violence related TBIs.
Survivors need to be cared for and a holistic approach can give them the opportunity to heal from the abuse they’ve sustained and pursue treatment for their brain injuries.
